Internet-based CDSS for modern manufacturing processes selection and justification

Abstract

To select the right process technology for a business is related to strategic goals, resource availability and market conditions. Such dimensions must be included in an evaluation process of technology choice. Although various approaches have been suggested for evaluation of the modern manufacturing processes, still, there is a need for a decision aid to assist companies in selection and justification of the most suitable technology to their operations and business objectives. In this study, we designed an Internet-based Collaborative Decision Support System (CDSS) consisting of three stages: strategic justification, operational justification, and economic justification. For decision-making process in each stage, knowledge-based systems, simulation, and activity-based costing models and methods are used, respectively. A unique feature of this system is that it not only combines the capabilities of various decision-making methods, but also takes into account the objectives and operating characteristics of individual companies in the evaluation process. The other characteristics of the CDSS are easy to use, understandable, and less time consuming. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.